Anaplastic large cell lymphoma associated with a breast implant capsule: a case report and review of the literature

Am J Surg Pathol. 2008 Aug;32(8):1265-8. doi: 10.1097/PAS.0b013e318162bcc1.

Abstract

Primary lymphomas of the breast are rare and predominately of B-cell phenotype. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a T-cell lymphoma that accounts for only 3% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. We present a rare case of primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the breast in association with a silicone breast implant capsule in a healthy 40-year-old woman. The patient had bilateral breast implants placed at 21 years of age and presented with painful bilateral breast contractures and associated breast asymmetry. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and T-cell gene rearrangement studies were supportive of a CD 30-positive ALK-1 negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma. This case represents the 14th reported case of primary breast lymphoma in association with breast prosthesis. Of interest is that 11 of these cases were T-cell lymphomas with 8 specifically of the CD30-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma type. This rare case highlights the importance of histologic examination of breast capsule specimens.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Implantation*
  • Breast Implants / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / immunology
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Device Removal
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / genetics
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Ki-1 Antigen / analysis
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / etiology*
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / genetics
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / immunology
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / pathology
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Silicone Gels*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains
  • Ki-1 Antigen
  • Silicone Gels